PATRIOTIC pensioners at a Warwickshire retirement home are determined to fly the flag for St George today.

Residents at Leonard Perkins House in Bulkington have gone all out to honour the saint with the recognition they believe he deserves.

They are planning to make today a big party celebrating everything English.

Care manager Gloria George said: "We were sitting down talking and people were saying everybody celebrates St Patrick's Day or St David's Day, but not the English day.

"A lot of them used to celebrate when they were younger and they were enthusiastic about doing something - the residents don't think we celebrate it enough."

The home has been decorated with pictures of the Queen, red roses and many English flags donated by Kennings of Kenilworth. A duo will lead a sing-song.

"I think we will do it again next year, and hopefully keep it as a tradition here," added Ms George.

"I think St George's connection with Coventry makes the event all the more significant for residents."

In Coventry, the City Centre Company has organised an event to mark St George's Day.

Tour guide Roger Bailey - dressed as St George - was today due take on his fire-breathing foe before crowds in the Precinct, while Coventry Mummers were to perform traditional ritual plays.

Peter Walters, press officer for Coventry and Warwickshire

Promotions, said it began promoting St George's Day events in 1998 to boost the city.

He said this year the organisation was letting the City Centre Company take the lead.

Some Coventry pubs have been granted an extension on their licence tonight.

But Coventry has been criticised for not making enough of its St George connections.

Legend has it that St George was born at Caludon Castle in Wyken, the son of Lord Albert, although history suggests he was born to Christian parents in Turkey.

Beverley Nielsen, chief executive of the Heart of England Tourist Board, highlighted Stratford's celebrations on Shakespeare's birthday and said Coventry should do something similar in honour of St George.

Elsewhere, Rugby hosted its first St George's Day festival on Saturday, which organisers hope will become an annual event as popular as St Patrick's Day celebrations within the Irish community.

And on Wednesday, the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth, Cllr Diana Hawkes is to host a St George's dinner and cabaret in support of the County Air Ambulance at the Civic Hall in Bedworth.

Cllr Hawkes promised an evening "celebrating all thing British" with entertainment and a menu of roast beef.